vogtle
Newsletter
Credit: Denton Rumsey/Big Stock Photo
Georgia powers up: the complex journey and future of nuclear energy at Plant Vogtle
After years of delays and skyrocketing costs, the new reactors at Plant Vogtle in Georgia have finally begun operations.
In short:
- Plant Vogtle's expansion, which includes two new reactors, finished with a $35 billion cost and a seven-year delay.
- The reactors are expected to generate about 1,100 megawatts each, contributing to carbon-free power production.
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining attention as a more feasible alternative for future nuclear projects.
Key quote:
"A generation from now, the people in Georgia are going to be really, really happy that Vogtle Units 3 and 4 have gone online."
— Jeff Merrifield, former member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Why this matters:
The completion of Vogtle's reactors represents a significant step toward meeting the increasing demand for clean energy, however, some point to high costs of the plant and disposing of the waste remains a tricky issue.
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Newsletter
Credit: Nicolas HIPPERT/Unsplash
Georgia's nuclear power saga unfolds with Vogtle plant
In a test of nuclear energy's future in the U.S., Georgia's Vogtle plant's final stages hint at both progress and setbacks.
In short:
- Georgia's Plant Vogtle has become a pivotal figure in the debate over nuclear power, facing massive costs and delays.
- The Biden administration views the plant as a key step towards achieving net-zero emissions, highlighting the project's eventual success and lessons learned.
- Despite the optimism, no new nuclear reactors are currently being planned in the U.S., reflecting broader uncertainties about the future of nuclear energy.
Key quote:
“Facing both the need to decrease carbon emissions while having to increase the amount of power that we need, nuclear is a natural technology for that challenge.”
— James Krellenstein, co-founder of the nuclear energy consultancy Alva Energy
Why this matters:
Nuclear power is championed for its ability to produce large amounts of electricity without emitting greenhouse gases during operation, making it a potentially crucial player in efforts to combat climate change. However, the path to expanding nuclear energy in the U.S. is fraught with challenges, including the high costs and long timelines associated with building new plants, concerns over radioactive waste management, and the need for stringent safety measures to prevent accidents.
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Photo by Lukáš Lehotský on Unsplash
What Vogtle’s stumbling finish means for U.S. nuclear energy
Georgia Power was set to reach a milestone last month and open the first of two long-awaited nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle. Then came a delay — and more uncertainty.
Plagued by grim challenges, Vogtle nuclear expansion lags behind schedule, says oversight consultant
The Vogtle expansion in Georgia reportedly faces major challenges that are poised to derail its schedule and ramp up costs—and the project is already behind schedule, a consulting firm tasked with construction oversight of the project told regulators.
www.nytimes.com
Georgia, facing ‘difficult dilemma,’ keeps nuclear project alive
Regulators approved plans to continue building the only two nuclear reactors still under construction in the country, despite delays and overruns.
www.washingtonpost.com
Georgia regulatory staff calls the last U.S. nuclear construction project uneconomic
Georgia Power and Toshiba speed up money to finish reactors, but regulators warn of costs to consumers.
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